Following the publication of the 2021 domestic calendars on Monday, British Cycling is pleased to today announce the launch of a new Elite Development Team status, supporting the best British talent on their journey towards success on the world stage.
Elite Development Team status will provide a new tier for ambitious national teams with a strong development focus, bridging the gap to UCI Continental level, and ensuring that riders are supported by a team of support staff, comprehensive race programmes, and appropriate guidance and mentoring.
Teams will be required to meet a set criteria to be awarded Elite Development Team status, in areas including the number of young, British riders on the team; supporting riders’ expenses for national and international races; provision of equipment and dedicated support; and attendance at national road and circuit series events. Both men’s and women’s teams will be encouraged to apply.
Those teams achieving EDT status will carry a stamp of recognition for the quality of support they offer to riders and the role they play in developing the best British talent. They will also benefit from additional exposure through British Cycling digital and social media channels, have guaranteed entry into national series events, and over time be able to access education courses and workshops for team riders and staff. Further information on how teams can attain Elite Development Team status will be published in the coming weeks.
British Cycling Elite Road Racing Manager, Erick Rowsell, said:
“We know that competing at a national level for young riders sitting outside of the current UCI Continental Teams can be difficult and expensive, which can prevent riders from achieving their best results on the bike. Through the introduction of Elite Development Team status we want to create an aspirational new step in the pathway and bridge the gap to ensure that riders are provided with the support they need as they find their feet in elite racing, and that there is a clear, progressive pathway for young riders all the way to the World Tour.
“This is the result of discussions which have taken place with teams and riders over several months, and we believe it will offer teams added recognition and status as they look to engage with new riders and sponsors. This is an important time for our sport and we feel that this will provide a much-needed step at a critical point in the pathway, and it is something that we are looking to build on in the future. We’re really excited to welcome the first successful teams to the start line next year, and hopefully look forward to watching their riders go on to long and successful careers in the years ahead.”
On Monday British Cycling announced the dates for the 2021 road calendar. You can see the elite series dates here, and the youth and junior dates here.
